'Honour the workers, not me,' says Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed

DUBAI // The Ruler of Dubai urged the public yesterday to use the seventh anniversary of his accession on Friday as an opportunity to honour the emirate’s workers.

It is the third time Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President, has used the occasion to honour others. On previous Accession Days he asked that orphans and mothers be celebrated.

“This year, we focus on a new group: general labour employees such as gardeners, janitors, construction workers, domestic workers among others,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

“These groups play an active role in society. Some have spent many years doing a great job and they deserve a big ‘thank you’ from all of us.”

Sheikh Mohammed said these “unknown soldiers” were the reason streets, buildings and other facilities were ready, clean, and decorated every day.

“We want to let them know that their services are valued and appreciated as they make our lives easier and better.”

Dubai Municipality was among the first to respond to the notice and announced a series of events to honour its labourers. They include sending groups of workers to visit the Burj Khalifa and the Global Village, hosting a dinner party and organising a cricket tournament.

The municipality will also be handing out gifts and holding entertainment events.

Ashutosh Biswas, 35, an electrical contractor from Bangladesh, is grateful for the acknowledgement and equally grateful for the opportunities Dubai has afforded him.

“I have been working in the Emirates for four years and I am grateful for the chances I have found here,” he said.

Mr Biswas worked as a shopkeeper in Oman and now instals cables for a contracting company.

“I can take care of my wife and four-year-old son, Shym, with the work I am doing in Dubai. Everything is good here – Sheikh Mohammed, the UAE, everything is good.”

Sheikh Mohammed asked the public to participate by thanking workers and invited the public to post photos to his Twitter account, @HHShkMohd.

“We want kindness to prevail,” he said.

tsubaihi@thenational.ae